Chamber offers physical, Web resources

Getting going with your holiday shopping or looking to connect with local services, businesses and nonprofits? There’s a resource for that as close as the Camden Public Landing or the Internet: The Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce. If you are looking for information on a wide range of local businesses and services, both the Chamber Information Center, located on the Public Landing in Camden, and the Chamber’s website at www.camdenme.org can connect you to member businesses and organizations from accountants to Web designers and everything in between.
The Chamber Information Center doesn’t just function as a resource for visitors looking for vacation information. Due to our role as the public face of the business community the Chamber is often the first stop for businesses, programs, organization and agencies looking to connect with and help residents, businesses and nonprofits.
We have brochures and contact information for more than 600 local businesses and nonprofits. We have IRS forms and other government publications. We have maps and guides to help with your weekend recreation. We often serve as a ticket agent for local events. We even have free copies of a variety of magazines, newspapers and other publications produced by members. Just stop on by and browse!
For businesses, the Chamber offers a wide range of free publications from the SBA, the IRS, the state of Maine, Efficiency Maine and more, all intended to connect you with programs, ideas and incentives designed to protect and enhance your bottom line.
In addition to information from the state and federal governments and the nonprofit sector, the Chamber office also carries a wealth of information on helpful services and products offered by Chamber members — everything from graphic design to consulting to insurance plans to building renovation and more.
What’s wonderful about the Chamber office is that it is a truly local resource, staffed by employees and volunteers who live in the area, who are familiar with the members, and can help connect you to just the right business or service. In this age of the global economy, offshore call centers, automated phone systems and informative websites, it’s nice to know that there are real, friendly, knowledgeable experts who can help you cut through the static and clutter to find exactly what you need.
To take advantage of this free information, stop by the Chamber office 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and browse the free literature on hand, or visit us online at www.camdenme.org and search the directory to find the perfect local business or service for your needs.
If you have a business that is not a CRL Chamber member and who would like to be a part of this great local resource, contact us today. Membership is open to all, and costs less than you might think, For most small businesses a Chamber membership works out to less than $20 a month. For more information on how the Chamber can help your business or organization, either as a new member or an existing one, contact Membership Services Manager Karen Brace at kbrace@camdenme.org or 236-4404.Dan Bookham is the executive director of the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce. Call 236-4404, e-mail dbookham@camdenme.org, or visit www.visitcamden.com for more information.